Author: Michelle Houts
Illustrator: Elizabeth Zechel
Publisher: Sky Horse Publishing, February 2018
Pages: 103
Genre: children's fiction (ages 7-9)
Obtained: purchased
Summary: Lucy's family is thinking about getting a new pet. Lucy not only does research on finding the perfect pet at the library, but collects data through surveys. At the same time, Lucy's class is studying fossils. When Lucy finds a fossil, someone else in the class claims he is the one who found it. What will she do?
Thoughts: This is the third book in this STEM based series. My ten year old son and I have read each one together. We love them. Although the series is recommended up to age 9, I believe older kids will enjoy these books too. There is so much going on throughout the book, I believe 10 year olds would remain engaged as my own son did.
In this book, there are really two plots- getting a new pet, and making a significant find that someone else tries to take the credit for- topics that young children may be dealing with in their own lives. The author shows how important it is to research before making a big decision or purchase, the value of family and friends, how useful libraries can be, how people have different interests and we have to respect this, and that sometimes it's good to give others a second chance.
The author throws in STEM topics, such as how to conduct research using books and surveys, and how they pop up in everyday life. She also uses science vocabulary such as fossil, specimens, data, clavicle, and fractured and explains the meanings with examples that are easily remembered. I love how the author is able to teach vocabulary and simple science topics while telling a story. She is able to weave this learning into the story and shows that science is fun. There is plenty to discuss with your child as you move through this book.
The characters are cute and children can relate to them. There is humor in the book and even though there are teachings going on, the author keeps the story moving. The characters travel from setting to setting- home, school, public library, riverbed, park, etc..., which keeps children engaged. The chapters are different lengths, but all under ten pages. There are cute illustrations that break up the text. The font is a good size for early readers. There are some difficult vocabulary words. Therefore, this is a good book for a child to read with an adult.
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